Ellen Degeneres brightens Calimesa family’s lives

The Amento Family on the set of “Ellen.” From left to right are Mea, 18, Sarah, Anabelle, 1, Andrew, 11, Josiah, 5, Andrew, and Isabella, 7.
Courtesy photo

CALIMESA >> Comedian and daytime television host Ellen Degeneres is known for her big heart. Recently, the Amento Family of Calimesa learned just how big it is.

The family was the recipient of more than 70 gifts given to Degeneres’ audience during a “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway to help bring a bit of happiness to the family that — like many — has been struggling a bit.

Family matriarch Sarah Amento was recently diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer — triple negative breast cancer. She recently had a double mastectomy and is on 6½ weeks of chemotherapy. Her husband, Andrew, is unemployed. So things have been very tough for the couple and their five children — Mea, 18, Andrew, 11, Isabella, 7, Josiah, 5, Anabelle, 1.

Amento shared her experience in a letter to Degeneres, which the TV host read aloud to her studio audience and millions watching.

“Dear Ellen,” Degeneres read. “I live in Calimesa, Calif. with my husband and our five kids. I’ve watched your show for years, but this year watching the show has become my source of inspiration and my escape. We joke that you’re the eighth family member in our home. This summer I was diagnosed with a very rare breast cancer. I just finished chemo and I’m having a double mastectomy before Christmas. I wanted to thank you for all you do, and for making me smile. I hope that one day I can come to your show and dance in your audience. Love Sarah.”

Touched by the letter, Degeneres invited Amento to sit next to her and share a bit of her story to those watching, including how she discovered the cancer.

“Did you self-diagnose?” Degeneres asked.

Replied Amento, “I was nursing ... and I was probably watching your show. (But I) was pushing (my breast) over so I didn’t have to move, and I felt the lump. And I just knew. The first thing you think of is, ‘I’m 36. I’m too young.’ But I knew something was wrong. And I started the journey of getting diagnosed.”

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Amento was supposed to start radiation treatments due to her aggressive form of cancer as soon as possible, but postponed plans because she had tickets to attend a taping of “Ellen,” she told Degeneres. It made Degeneres smile.

“You’re an amazing woman. I know a little bit about you, and it’s really incredible that you’re here today,” Degeneres said seconds before unveiling a big surprise. “I wanted to give some gifts for your kids. We’re giving you everything we gave away for (our recent) 12 days promotion. There’s so many cool things there. There are trips and gift cards. ... Everything.”

Clearly blown away, Sarah and family stood teary-eyed as Degeneres explained some of the items inside. Included were $1,500 gift cards to Target, a $2,000 gift card from JC Penny, a television and tons of “other good stuff,” she said.

But that wasn’t all.

Since Amento is driving herself to radiation treatments at City of Hope in Duarte, JC Penny also gave the family $10,000 to help with transportation costs.

The family was floored.

“I wasn’t thinking much at the time. I was in complete shock,” Amento said, talking about the surprise in a phone interview on Saturday morning. “I’m still in a little bit of shock, but a good shock.”

The show aired Jan. 9, but clips of the family’s appearance showed up on Ellen’s YouTube page the next day and quickly went viral. Not only did blogger Perez Hilton pick up the story, it was also featured on Yahoo.

“It’s that amazing?” Amento asked.

Amento’s 6½-week radiation treatment began Monday. She has plans to keep people updated on a Facebook page she created at facebook.com/fightingcancerwithsarah.

“I opened myself via social media and people started showing their love,” Amento told Degeneres. “It’s been an amazing journey. Cancer has not been about what I’ve lost, but what I’ve gained.

“One of my mottoes is cancer will not define me.”

Added Amento on Saturday: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but it is about learning how to dance in the rain.”